Why pray?

[jgalantine]

Why do we need to pray when God already knows our thoughts and what is going to happen? It doesn't make sense too me. Is it the connection you get with him. I pray a lot, actually all through the day, anytime I catch myself slipping I immediately pray for the strength to not do whatever I'm doing wrong anymore. I will continue praying because it gives me reassurance but I am just curious.

[Bellicus]

My theory is that God don't need our prayers at all, but praying is good for us. What do we do when we pray? We focus on God or other people, we go from selfishness to love. When Jesus learned us to pray, he didn't use words like "I" but instead "us". Like "Give us our daily bread"

[LilLamb219]

We pray to communicate with God. He communicates with us through His Word and we in turn pray to Him. Yes, He knows what we will pray before we pray it, but that's besides the point. It's our way of going to Him for help, praise, thanksgiving, etc... We pray in hope that our prayers are in line with God's will.

[Criada]

No relationship will survive without communication. Prayer connects us to God, and helps us to grow in our relationship with Him :)

[ExaltTheLord]

Prayers can be used in many differant ways, something good has happened and you just want to tell the Lord how great he is for giving you what you needed.

[Light So Shine]

I believe that prayer is important because it establishes and maintains that particularly special type of communication, which exists between that which is human, and that which is holy.

There is a special emotional and psychological contact, that is made during prayer. It is building upon a relationship. That relationship that always deepening and evolving.

[heymikey80]

Yes, you're right, it's the result of a connection with God -- theologically it's called "communion" with God and it comes out of union with Christ. Historically it became so connected to the Lord's Supper that the name shifted over. But the relationship you have with God, your communion with God, is reflected by your talking with Him about things you care about, and searching for His will about things He cares about.

This also extends into communion with one another as well. We don't talk with other Christians to manipulate them into doing things we want. We talk for communion, relationship, guidance, and really -- to feel open with those we'll be spending the rest of our lives with.

You can even simply think prayers; God hears you and knows you. But the awareness and use of that awareness puts you into relationship, into communion with Him. He's always in communion with you.

[MintyAngel]

I see prayer as talking to my very best friend. God is never too busy to hear me, or sleeping, or on the phone, or eating dinner...God is always there for me, whenever I may need Him.

Yes, God knows what I'm going to say, before I say it, but most of the time it helps me just to speak and get my feelings out. The old adage of 'a problem shared is a problem halved' comes to mind.

Nothing is too trivial or too serious for Gods' ears. He hears all, knows all and forgives all.

Mainly, it's nice to know that someone cares enough to listen to me rambling on and on ^_^

[suzybeezy]

Prayer - communicating with God - helps us grow closer and more intimately connected with God. But one of the simplest reasons to spend time in prayer is because the Lord instructed us to pray. Obedience is a natural by-product of discipleship.
Matthew 26:41 "Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"

[plmarquette]

ask...seek ....knock ... Mattew 7.7-9 some thing required of us [batteries not included)

James 2 not a hearer only , but an effectual doer .... action ..... faith to appropriate what is ours already(lay away)

[plmarquette]

ask...seek ....knock ... Mattew 7.7-9 some thing required of us [batteries not included)

James 2 not a hearer only , but an effectual doer .... action ..... faith to appropriate what is ours already(lay away)

[Jere209]

Why do we need to pray when God already knows our thoughts and what is going to happen? It doesn't make sense too me. Is it the connection you get with him. I pray a lot, actually all through the day, anytime I catch myself slipping I immediately pray for the strength to not do whatever I'm doing wrong anymore. I will continue praying because it gives me reassurance but I am just curious.

Prayer is the communication God has set up between humans and Himself. :) Jesus Christ is our intercessor as well, and the Holy Spirit prays through us when we do not know what we should pray for as we ought.
Yes, He knows all. He is Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. But, He also desires that we choose to fellowship with Him. He does not force us to do so. Prayer is nothing more than sitting down with your Dad and talking to Him the way you would talk to your friends, and your earthly parents.

That's good that you pray when you are tempted, because He says when you do so, He will provide a way out.
:) Hope this has helped.

[timmynkaelynsmama]

Heres why I think we should pray. Were supposed to have a more personal relationship with God, then with anyone else. And you couldn't be close to someone with out talking to them. I love to talk to God because it makes me feel like I'm having a conversation with the ONLY person in the world who I can tell anything to, without them being mad at me, or judging me, and who actually loves me for me. :)

[Angel4Truth]

Why do we need to pray when God already knows our thoughts and what is going to happen? It doesn't make sense too me. Is it the connection you get with him. I pray a lot, actually all through the day, anytime I catch myself slipping I immediately pray for the strength to not do whatever I'm doing wrong anymore. I will continue praying because it gives me reassurance but I am just curious.

Why would you need to tell your parents/husband/wife you love them when they already know? We do it for fellowship and intimacy in our relationships. God speaks to us as well - once we are in fellowship with Him. That still small voice grows as our intimacy grows. If we desire a close relationship with God - prayer is very nessesary - its as nessesary as communication with our other loved ones. We would never ignore them completely and hope we had a decent relationship even on things they already know.

PS: Sorry to those who already responded with the same thoughts. I only read the op and answered.

[cesty]

Why do we need to pray when God already knows our thoughts and what is going to happen? It doesn't make sense too me. Is it the connection you get with him. I pray a lot, actually all through the day, anytime I catch myself slipping I immediately pray for the strength to not do whatever I'm doing wrong anymore. I will continue praying because it gives me reassurance but I am just curious.

Even though God knows what we're going to utter before we speak it, and knows the finality of all things, prayer is still necessary.

You see, prayer enables us to realize our relationship with God. Without such communication we would soon forget Him. Therefore, prayer keeps us connected to God.

But do you think God needs our prayers?

God is in need of nothing.

However, He welcomes our love!

You see, God also has feelings.

People often forget that...

Let's not forget that, "Jesus wept." (Joh 11:35)

Therefore, this tells us that we serve a God who has emotions.

With that being said, when we pray to God it is pleasing to Him because it's not only important for us to make that connection with Him regularly; it is also important to Him to make that connection with us, because He loves us, and wants us to spend quality time with Him.

We often make the mistake of assuming that prayer is all about asking and repenting, while failing to understand that it's really about friendship and love...

When we begin to think of prayer in this way life will take on new meaning in Jesus Christ. Thus, we will enter into the heart of God and discover how much He really does love us!

[Mr.Cheese]

Our faith is relationally based, which requires communication.

[MoNiCa4316]

Prayer is just talking with our Best Friend :) the more we talk to God, the better we get to know Him.
I believe He is really pleased when we talk to Him. :)